Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene's name is derived from the monomer ethene which is used to create the polymer. It is a polymer heavily used in consumer products all around the world.

PE is classified into several different categories based mostly on its density and branching. Some of the major categories of polyethylene are :
> HDPE (high density PE)
> LDPE (low density PE)
> LLDPE (linear low density PE)

HDPE has a density of >= 0.941 g/cc. HDPE used in products and packaging such as jugs, buckets, detergent bottles, garbage containers and tubs.

LLDPE has higher tensile strength than LDPE. As compared to LDPE it exhibits higher impact strength and puncture resistance. Lower guage films can be blown compared to LDPE, with better environmental stress cracking resistance compared to LDPE. It is however not as easy to process LLDPE used in packaging, particularly film for bags and sheets. Toys, container lids, buckets and containers, pipe are some of the uses of LLDPE. Though other applications are available, LLDPE is predominantly used in film applications due to its flexibility, toughness, and relative transparency.

LDPE is used for rigid containers as well as plastic film applications such as plastic bags, film wrap, and shopping baskets.